Wood River in Hall County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Original Townsite of Wood River
Photographed by Charles T. Harrell, June 29, 2011
1. Original Townsite of Wood River Marker
The Original town of Wood River, named for the tree-lined river directly north, was platted around a station established here by the Union Pacific Railroad in 1866. Jackson moved his store to the settlement, and a log Catholic Church and settlers’ school were built by 1869.
In 1874-75 the Union Pacific platted the present town of Wood River about three miles east. The station, post office, and Jackson’s store were placed on skids and moved to the new location. In 1990 only St. Mary’s Cemetery and the District 5 school marked the original townsite.
Erected by Hall County Historical Society, Nebraska State Historical Society. (Marker Number 336.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is
this page online
Location. 40° 48.26′ N, 98° 39.289′ W. Marker is in Wood River, Nebraska, in Hall County. It is at the intersection of U.S. 30, on the right when traveling west on U.S. 30. Between S. Cameron & S. McGuire Roads. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wood River NE 68883, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Nebraska, in the Platte River Valley, and in Greater Grand Island. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, and on the prairies. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Wood River Veterans Memorial (approx. 3 miles away); Meisner Bank Building (approx. 4½ miles away); Early Shelton Pioneers (approx. 4½ miles away); Joseph E. Johnson and the Huntsman’s Echo (approx. 4.6 miles away); B-17 Crash, 1943 (approx. 6 miles away); Martin Brothers Historic Memorial (approx. 9.1 miles away); Cornhusker Army Ammunition Plant (approx. 10.7 miles away); The Soldiers Free Homestead Colony (approx. 10.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wood River.
Photographed by Charles T. Harrell, June 29, 2011
2. Original Townsite of Wood River Marker
Photographed by Charles T. Harrell, June 29, 2011
3. Original Townsite of Wood River Marker
Photographed by Mark Parker, June 26, 2024
4. Wood River Marker
The cemetery monuments in front of the trees in the distance mark the location of St. Mary's Cemetery at the original site of Wood River.
Photographed by Mark Parker, June 26, 2024
5. St. Mary's Cemetery, location of the original site of Wood River
The cemetery is referenced in the marker text.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 26, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 30, 2011, by Charles T. Harrell of Woodford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,287 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 30, 2011, by Charles T. Harrell of Woodford, Virginia. 4, 5. submitted on July 25, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
